Birthstones by Month: Colors and Meanings

Find Out the Meaning Behind Your Birthstone

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What is the birthstone for your month? Check the list below to learn the meanings and history of each monthly birthstone.

Where do the Birthstones Come From?

The birthstones we associate with certain months now are not necessarily the same ones as those used centuries ago. Originally, they related to the 12 gemstones appearing on the breastplate of the High Priest of the Isrealites described in the Book of Exodus.

Color was once the most important feature of a stone, which meant that there was no significant difference in meaning between a ruby and a garnet, for example.

The names used in the past may not relate to the stone we think of with that name today, too:

Sapphire was probably what we know today as lapis.

Diamonds were most likely white sapphire or white topaz.

The wearing of birthstones is thought to bring good luck, good health, and protection. Astrologers long ago attributed supernatural powers to certain gemstones.

Birthstones by Month

January – Garnet

The January birthstone, garnet, is thought to keep the wearer safe during travel. The word “garnet” is derived from a term that means “seed,” because the gem resembles the color and shape of a pomegranate seed.

Garnet

February – Amethyst

The February birthstone, amethyst, is said to strengthen relationships and give its wearer courage. At one time, only royalty could wear the gem. Ancient Greeks thought that the amethyst guarded against intoxication. In fact, “amethyst” comes from amethystos, a Greek word meaning “sober.”

Amethyst

March – Aquamarine

The March birthstone, aquamarine, was thought to cure heart, liver, and stomach diseases—all one had to do was drink the water in which the gem had been soaking. Early sailors believed that aquamarine talismans, etched with the likeness of the sea god Neptune, protected them against ocean dangers.

﻿﻿﻿Aquamarine

April – Diamond

The April birthstone, diamond, in addition to being a symbol of everlasting love, was once thought to bring courage. In Sanskrit, the diamond is called vajra, which also means lightning; in Hindu mythology, vajra was the weapon of Indra, the king of gods.

Diamond

May – Emerald

The May birthstone, emerald, was one of Cleopatra’s favorite gems. It has long been associated with fertility, rebirth, and love. Ancient Romans went so far as to dedicate this stone to Venus, the goddess of love and beauty. Today, it is thought that emeralds signify wisdom, growth, and patience.

Emerald

June – Pearl

The June birthstone, pearl, has long been a symbol of purity. The ancient Greeks believed that pearls were the hardened tears of joy from Aphrodite, the goddess of love.

Pearls

July – Ruby

The July birthstone, ruby, was regarded by ancient Hindus as the “king of gems.” It was believed to protect its wearer from evil. Today, the ruby’s deep-red color signifies love and passion.

Ruby

August – Peridot

The August birthstone, peridot, symbolizes strength. It is sometimes called the “evening emerald” for its light green color. It was once believed that the green peridot crystals found in volcanic ashes were the tears of the volcano goddess, Pele. When set in gold, this gem was said to protect the wearer from nightmares.

Peridot

September – Sapphire

The September birthstone, sapphire, was once thought to guard against evil and poisoning. It was believed that a venomous snake would die if placed in a vessel made of sapphire. Traditionally a favorite stone of priests and kings, the sapphire symbolizes purity and wisdom.

Sapphire

October – Opal

The October birthstone,opal, symbolizes faithfulness and confidence. The word comes from the Latin opalus, meaning “precious jewel.” Necklaces with opals set in them were worn to repel evil and to protect eyesight.

Opal

November – Topaz

The November birthstone, topaz, symbolizes love and affection. It is believed to give the wearer increased strength and intellect.

Topaz

December – Turquoise

The December birthstone, turquoise, is regarded as a love charm. It is also a symbol of good fortune and success, and it is believed to relax the mind and to protect its wearer from harm. Turquoise rings, in particular, are thought to keep away evil spirits.

Birthstones

I call "Bull Crap". They may want you to think this, but it's just crap. Between me and my "spouse", I can tell you that it's all crap. Mines August, Peridot. My first wife's is "topaz, symbolizes love and affection. It is believed to give the wearer increased strength and intellect." Yeah, she loved everyone but me because I worked all the time on 12 hour shifts. My second, OMG, turquoise, is regarded as a love charm. It is also a symbol of good fortune and success, and it is believed to relax the mind and to protect its wearer from harm. Turquoise rings, in particular, are thought to keep away evil spirits. All she cares about is herself since I've helped her thru 3 surgery's, waiting on her hand and foot after her knee, foot and shoulder surgery. Me? I needed back and neck surgery since 2010, Liver disorder, fatty liver, and pancreatitis and all she cares about is herself. She couldn't (or WOULDN"T) take time off for me. So, yeah, all this stuff is "REAL" and if that's what they WANT YOU TO THINK, then go with it. But in fact, it's all crap just like Horoscopes. What they say and what happens is so far apart, that the only thing I can believe in is "ME". And none of this crap is even close. HAHAHA. Jokes are on us for hoping it's real, when it's not.

Birthstone meaning

Mel, I’m sorry you’ve been treated so badly by your spouse. Sometimes we pick the wrong people to share our life with. It sounds like you were very loving and caring to her and she took you for granted. I have been happily married to my husband for 50 years. I was 19 and he was 21 when we married. I guess we sort of grew up together. We’ve sometimes had problems but we always worked through them. Maybe you and your wife can work things out or maybe you can’t but the way it sounds, you are not at fault. Just pray about your situation. Hopefully, God will give you an answer. I hope so. Be strong.

Birthstones, colours and flowers (Spelling, I'm welsh)

Hi
Not sure if this is the right place but I don't use the laptop very much. All this info I have been reading on Birthstones ect. is great but do you do a book with all this info in one place? If so I would love to buy it, where do I go and please will it have the cost in £'s. Hope to hear from you soon.
Carol Simpson

I heard that every month has

I heard that every month has its own significant Gem & Stone. It is easy enough to locate birth "gems" online, even though it seems that there are various gems for some months and only one for others. However, now all of a sudden I am finding it quite difficult to locate the birth "stones".

Can you please help me in this? As my sister is trying to incorporate both everyone's birth gems & stones into her wedding (so it's kind of a rush thing)!

If you could help me get samples of both for each month, that would be both AmAzInG & WoNdErFuL!!!! And considering that I am a single mom & disabled, cost is definitely an issue unfortunately!

Please email me so we can discuss further information!!

Many Thanks,
~~ Melissa

Hi Melissa, What a great idea

Hi Melissa, What a great idea. A birthstone is a gemstone which represents the month of the person’s birth. So, it’s really the same thing here. The traditional birthstones for each month are listed above on this very page. You can also link on each birthstone to get more information about that month’s gem. I hope this is helpful!

My birthstone is from the

My birthstone is from the November month
*****SCORPIO****
THEY ARE THE TOP NOTCH OF THE SIGNS AND THE MEANING OF THEIR SIGN, BIRTHSTONE, FLOWER etc.. ARE ALL AMAZING AND VERY MUCH REVEALING..Justsayin...
I THANK GOD DAILY IWAS BORN A SCORPION
IT DEFINES ME AND MY LIFE AND AND THE WHO AND WHAT I AM REALLY ALL ABOUT

Me and my sister are Leo.

Me and my sister are Leo. (Lion) We are natural leaders, and are sometimes bossy, but in the sense of accomplishment, and leadership. We speak our minds and I'm proud to fit those standards. JULY 30. I'm obviously a ruby, king of gems to the Hindus and man does it feel good to have these titles. God bless America!!!!!